Tottenham Hotspur boast of the youngest squad in the EPL, and despite the praises Pochettino deserves for also assembling one of the best squads in recent times, it’s noteworthy to know a few of his charges are way too over hyped.
But in such a brilliant squad, it is hardly noticeable given how excellent the team looks as a unit. Until keen attention is paid to each player’s game over a long period of time measuring consistency, overall quality, and work rate, only then is making such discovery is ever possible.
One player who is way overrated at the White Hart Lane outfit is Denmark international midfielder, Christian Eriksen. The former Ajax number 10 caught the attention of non-Tottenham fans last season when he seemingly looked like a dead-ball specialist.
He scored a couple of fine free-kicks but wasn’t able to exert any dominance or influence in the midfield as the team’s campaign fell flat in the last 4 games of the season. It was when they needed him most as the creative spark of the attacking midfield that he chose to go awfully quiet.
Although we could blame it all on fatigue following a long season with no winter break of which he played every league game, the early signs this term are as well unpromising.
He has been largely underwhelming, and his form has continued to fluctuate as usual. The 24-year-old cuts the figure of an uninspired player. And Sissoko’s arrival could put his Tottenham future in jeopardy.
The Dane fits the bill whenever the word “overrated” pops up, and here are reasons why.
His inconsistency overshadows his brilliance
Since his arrival at the north London side 3 seasons ago having been tipped as a potential world beater due to his Ajax days exploits, he hasn’t had a full great season.
Not under Tim Sherwood or Pocchetino. One game he is creating the buzz and attracting headlines, another, he is totally missing in action.
In his 4th EPL season, that hasn’t changed and it’s not a hallmark of the best players out there. Great players rarely have an issue with consistency.
He was excellent against Manchester City during the weekend fixture, but don’t be surprised to see him fail to perform up to standard in a game soon.
Inability to help with the pressing game
Against Crystal Palace on matchday 2, Pochettino’s frustrations with Eriksen’s lack of pressing was evident, with the Argentine yelling at him to “press” at a point. He was promptly removed as it became evident he was out of sorts, and Spurs went on to win the game by a lone goal afterwards.
Tottenham have become a high-octane and high-pressing team under Poch, but it doesn’t seem Eriksen has got the stamina to always carry on with that playing style for long. And it’s no surprise that the club recruited a versatile Sissoko on deadline just for that sole purpose.
He could become the cog in the midfield because of his lack of pressing in games, and with a team full of many options, the overrated Dane could lose his starting berth sooner, rather than later.
Little wonder why contract renewal negotiations stalled earlier on. Just maybe the club weren’t totally convinced as to offering him a better deal, as it became clearer that his quality might not be totally reliable when there is the dire need for it.
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